Fill the Van raises estimated $5,000 of goods and proceeds
By Taylor J. Hale
Special to the Gazette
STEVENS POINT — The Humane Society of Portage County gave shoppers and avid animal enthusiasts a convenient and meaningful way to donate on Dec. 15 at Copps in Stevens Point during their Fill the Van event.
An estimated $5,000 of goods and proceeds is expected from the program once figures are totaled.
Shoppers were given lists of needed items as they entered the grocery store by shelter volunteers. Participants would then purchase the requested goods to fill up the van heading back to the Humane Society.
“We initially started this about five years ago,” said Dolores Glytas, event creator and organizer. “I had the idea in the back of my brain for a long time. I decided I would ask the board if we can try and do it, and it has been an absolute success. It is a win-win for the shelter and the store.”
The program is held four times a year and gives the community an unobtrusive way to assist the shelter with its essential needs. Some of the main requested items include brand name foods, cleaning supplies and other pet-related gear.
“Fill the Van has helped so much,” Glytas explained. “It’s right before Christmas, and people are so generous with giving.”
The public exposure also helps generate interest in volunteerism and adoption. Many people stop and speak with the aides on their way in and out of the grocery store. Offering pet-lovers a platform for discussion on all things humane.
“People come up and start to talk to us about their animals or adoption questions,” Glytas said. “We have started to get regulars. It is a great way to bond with the community. Some people have even started to come just for the event. They fill up a whole cart for us.”
Glytas first approached Copps with the concept after having several test runs at Trig’s in Stevens Point. She thought the venue was the perfect fit for the fundraiser. It helps the store by selling products, and it serves the animals in a multitude of ways.
“The animals really benefit from everything the community brings in,” she said. “We are so lucky to have such a giving community.”
The Fill the Van event is developing into a tradition in the area. It grants locals an opportunity to affect the well-being of the animals in their area directly.
For future Fill the Van events and other programs from the Humane Society visit their website at http://www.hspcwi.org.